Cheese Bake: Broccoli and Carrots (Printable View)
Broccoli and carrots in rich cheddar sauce with a crispy panko-Parmesan topping, baked until golden.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
02 - 2 cups carrots, sliced, fresh or frozen
→ Cheese Sauce
03 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
11 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
02 - Steam or blanch the broccoli florets and sliced carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute until foaming but not browned.
04 - Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
05 - Gently fold the blanched broccoli and carrots into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
06 - In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and, if using, grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish.
07 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like a comforting hug but only takes about an hour, even if you get distracted singing along to your playlist.
- The crispy topping is pure magic—people always ask how you made vegetables taste this good.
02 -
- The first time I skipped buttering the breadcrumbs, I ended up with a pale, dusty crust—don’t make my mistake.
- Letting the baked casserole stand before serving means neater slices and fewer burned tongues.
03 -
- Dry the steamed veggies well or the sauce gets watery underneath.
- To make it extra-special, toast the panko in a dry pan before topping for even more crunch.